of Lake Mead are flying by at an increasingly rapid pace. You steal a quick glance at the speedometer as it roars past 30, 40, 50 and on past 60 mph in a matter of seconds. This is a thrill ride worthy of the best that personal watercraft have to offer. But oddly enough, the 250X's most impressive attribute isn't its astonishing power, but rather the feeling of control you have, even when accelerating at the speed of light and sailing along at wide-open throttle.

You're riding on Kawasaki's new Jet Ski Ultra 250X, the most power-ful production PWC in history. A 250-hp, 1498cc engine is at the heart of this watercraft, and its high-volume, direct-drive supercharger delivers get-up-and-go at any speed. The Ultra 250X also boats a large-capacity intercooler, which, according to Kawasaki, helps avoid heat buildup and produces maximum power.

Another component that's critical to the Ultra 250X's blazing power is the 155mm jet pump, which features the largest PWC impeller and nozzle that Kawasaki has ever produced. It's made to deliver efficient propulsion and mind-blowing acceleration. The pump also has special design features built to deliver predictable thrust and good traction in rougher water, while making it easier to hold a stable heading when riding in a straight line.

And therein lies one of the biggest joys of riding the Ultra 250X. Past watercraft that featured awe-inspiring top end and crazy-mad acceleration have done so at some expense to handling and control. Not so with the 250X. Though acceleration is impressive, you still feel like you can manage the bursts in whatever increments you please. Likewise, cruising at top speed (about 65 mph) on this watercraft doesn't make you feel skittish. The result is an enhanced riding experience.

Part of the credit for the Ultra 250X's excellent handling and stability lies in its carefully designed hull. Kawasaki set out to build a hull that would complement the engine's enormous output, and the effort pays off in superb straight-line stability and great cornering. The hull also contains characteristics, such as a 22.5-degree deep-V, designed to make the 250X as comfortable in rough-water conditions as in smooth. On the test day, the water is mostly glassy, but the 250X handles the minor chop that comes its way with ease.

Performance and handling are keys to a great PWC, but for many enthusiasts - particularly family boaters - comfort and "cruise-ability" are nearly as important. Fortunately, your itinerary for the day includes a cruise around Nevada's scenic Lake Mead, which is a great way to test out these attributes, since Mead is the largest man-made lake in the United States. Rocky cliffs, narrow passageways and sandy beaches abound, making it an ideal body of water to explore via watercraft.

Several features on the 250X immediately leap out as cruise-friendly. The roomy 53-gallon detachable front storage compartment allows you to fill up on supplies, the large 20.6-gallon fuel tank increases cruising range, and the five-step adjustable handlebar position adds comfort when switching between stand-up and sit-down riding - a frequent occurrence during the day's cruise.

After navigating around a healthy portion of Mead's 550-mile shoreline and breaking for lunch, you and some fellow riders decide on an afternoon jaunt to Hoover Dam. Construction of the dam began in 1931 as part of the Reclamation Act of 1902, which was instituted to help irrigate the arid lands of the Southwest and encourage westward expansion. The reservoir created by the damming of the Colorado River became Lake Mead. It's an impressive site, and what better way to honor it than by taking a cool dip in the lake water?

After swimming (OK, floating) around the water for a little while, hopping back on the 250X is easy, thanks to the long rear boarding step. Grabbing a drink from the detachable drink holder provides a further dose of refreshment. After returning to the day's starting point, docking is made easy with the help of the reverse gear, which Kawasaki has wisely placed on the left side of the 250X, providing easier accessibility.

Relaxing back at the plush Lake Las Vegas Resort after a full day of riding, you're hard-pressed to come up with much negative to say about the 250X. The base price of $11,499, while high for a watercraft, is right in line with comparable models. This is a high-energy PWC that expertly balances power and control while providing enough family-friendly cruising features to satisfy a wide range of enthusiasts. After several years of maintaining a low profile in the PWC world, Kawasaki is back in a big way.

ULTRA FUN Airing out the Ultra 250X on Lake Mead is a great way to spend a day.

LINE 'EM UP Before cooling off with a quick swim, the crew celebrates arriving at Hoover Dam.

Kawasaki

Jet Ski Ultra 250X

LOA 11'1"

Beam 3'11"

Weight 904 lbs.

Fuel 21 gal.

Base Price $11,499

(w/250-hp Kawasaki 4-stroke)

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
(949) 770-0400